Tomas Scheckter was announced this morning as the driver for the No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Dallara-Honda, and will attempt to qualify for the May 24 Indianapolis 500 this weekend. The South African, a veteran of seven Indy 500 starts, began practicing in the car today.

“I’m happy to be here and looking forward to it,” said Scheckter, who started 11th in the 500-Mile Race last year with Luczo Dragon Racing (finishing 24th because of a mechanical issue).”

Scheckter will be reunited with engineer Bill Pappas on Coyne’s team. The pair were with Target Chip Ganassi Racing in 2003, when Scheckter posted a fourth-place finish in the 500.”

“I had a great run at Indy with Bill and I like what Dale has done with the team and Justin (Wilson) has done in the car,” Scheckter said. “I’m confident (Pappas) can give me a good car, and what’s also good is that we don’t have to build a relationship. We understand each other. Hopefully we can get up to speed quickly and start moving the program forward.”

Coyne’s regular car was qualified last weekend by Justin Wilson. The Briton will start 15th in the No. 18 Z-Line Designs car, having qualified with a four-lap average of 222.903 mph.

“This kind of came together late, but we have a good second car and Tomas knows how to get around this place so we should be fine,” Coyne said. “Tomas and Justin will be a nice combination.”